Only one in every 10,000 diamonds possesses natural colour and is referred to as a coloured diamond. For this reason, coloured diamonds are purchased almost exclusively for the intensity and distribution of the diamond's colour. Criteria considered when purchasing a white or colourless diamond, such as cut proportions and clarity, are less important when purchasing a coloured diamond.
The information below will help you understand coloured diamonds to determine the diamond that's right for you.

Colour

Colour intensity, the deepness or richness of colour, is the most important consideration when purchasing a coloured diamond. The more intense the colour, the rarer and more valuable the diamond will be.
All of our Blue Nile coloured diamonds possess natural colour and are never exposed to artificial coloring techniques such as dyeing or irradiation.

Carat

After colour grade, carat weight has the most impact on price for coloured diamonds. When diamonds are mined, large gems are discovered much less frequently than small ones. This makes large diamonds much more valuable. For this reason, diamond prices for coloured diamonds rise exponentially with carat weight. Learn more about carat weight in our Diamond Education section.

Clarity

Due to the nature of coloured diamonds, clarity is less important than it is in their colourless counterparts. This is true because inclusions tend to be masked by the diamond's colour.

Cut

Coloured diamonds are primarily cut to emphasise their colour. This contrasts with colourless diamonds that are cut to maximise sparkle or brilliance, which in some instances can detract from the natural colour of a coloured diamond. While coloured diamonds still exhibit brilliance, colour is the most important characteristic considered when they are being cut.

Shape

While cut describes a diamond's light performance, dimensions and finish; shape refers to the overall outline of the diamond when viewed from the top (e.g. round, princess or marquise). It's important to note that many coloured diamonds are cut into non-traditional shapes to enhance their natural colour. Due to the rarity of coloured diamonds, a specific shape in a specific colour may not be available at any given time.
If you're seeking specific criteria in a coloured diamond, please call our Diamond and Jewellery Consultants at 00353-1-899-1351 for more information.

Certification

All Blue Nile coloured diamonds are independently analyzed and graded by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA), which is among the most respected laboratories in the diamond industry. Each diamond is accompanied by a coloured diamond identification and origin report. This authoritative report lists the diamond's specifications including its colour grade, and ensures its natural origin.

Setting Coloured Diamonds

When choosing a setting for a coloured diamond, it is best to choose a setting material that will enhance the natural colour of your diamond. For example, yellow diamonds are often set in yellow gold, while pink diamonds look best when set in rose gold. If you have questions about the best setting for your coloured diamond, please call our Diamond and Jewellery Consultants at 00353-1-899-1351 for more information.